Sharon

Start:	Feb 4, '07 6:00p
Location:	ABS-CBN

Hey, it's the Megastar! It's always a fun fun time.

(Check the show times though... I can't remember exactly what time it starts. Thanks!)

January 31, 2007 - Hurray for a great pair of shoes!

I bought myself a great pair of shoes!!!

No, the expense wasn't at all frivolous or gratuitous. I have to dress to the nines for work a lot of the time, which means that from head to toe, I must look just right. The shoes I bought were sensible enough for standing on stage for extended periods of time, but sexy enough to make my legs look fabulous and my posture proud. So there. A wonderful, beautiful, fabulous pair of shoes. Perfect to kick ass with. Yeaaaaaaaaaah.

(And I know some people that deserve a swift and serious kick in the rear.)

Happy New Year!!!

Yeah, we had to take her top off, we wanted her to catch some rays (after a slathering of SPF 30 sunscreen, of course)!

These were taken on her first trip to the beach, at Pearl Harbor, and at her first New Year's Eve party. Isn't Hawaii beautiful? Okay, we gotta definitely go back!

January 30, 2007 - Celebrity

I just came home from a taping for Sharon. Yes, it's always a wonderful time whenever I guest on the Megastar's TV show. At every turn, she is gracious, warm and attentive, with an infectious energy that bubbles over through the TV screen and into your TV watching space.

Sometimes I wonder if all that is due to an acute awareness of her celebrity, thus she knows that she can't be a bitch in public.

Don't get me wrong, I don't doubt her sincerity one bit. I know that everything she does, in public or in private, comes from a place of kindness. It's just that... well... as someone who's been in the public eye for over 28 years (29 this March), I just wonder how much of that is training, and how much of it is real? I have to admire her for knowing her celebrity as well as she does. It's something I need to learn and remember from time to time.

I read somewhere that Jimmy Stewart was an incredibly gracious man, who always took care of his fans. One anecdote read that Raquel Welch asked him why he made sure to sign autographs and take a photo with the fans at the stage door that asked him for one. His reply went something like, "These people came all the way from wherever to see me; the least I can do is pose for a picture." Admirable.

I'm quite proud of the fact that I've never had to ever be a complete and total bitch at the workplace or anywhere else. Never threw furniture or coffee cups or ashtrays... never hurled expletives at a co-worker... never once threw my weight around because of "who I was". That's total bullshit. If a situation can be handled with a cool head and a smile, then my reputation for keeping my wits about me is only further cemented. Losing my cool is never an option.

Perhaps I have learned something in the many years I've watched famous people around me conduct themselves. I am very much aware that for most, if not all, of the time, I'm being watched. Wherever I go there are eyes that follow me, whether in admiration or scorn, and I know how to deal with it... with grace and a smile.

O.B. Montessori Center Grand Alumni Homecoming

Start:	Feb 21, '07 5:30p
Location:	O.B. Montessori Center, Eisenhower Street, Greenhills, San Juan

Hi! In celebration of O.B. Montessori Center's 40th anniversary, we will be holding an alumni homecoming on February 21, 2007 (Wednesday), 5:30 p.m. at the Maria Montessori Hall, OBMCI Greenhills. Plans and programs for an alumni association will be discussed. Dinner is at 500 pesos per head. Please RSVP at 09209105279 (Lana David) and 09189637472 (Nelser David).

Thank you and hope to see you there!

January 28, 2007 - Breathing Room

Only a few more weeks before I head off to New York... which means my schedule is getting tighter and tighter. I have gigs, photo sessions, TV guestings and personal commitments to fulfill before I fly. Needless to say, I'm starting to feel a slight hint of panic at the prospect of having to complete all these things in only a few weeks. Minus one week, as I'll be out of town on concert duty. Shit.

I know though that I'll be able to take care of everything, as long as I put my mind to it and get my days started early enough. To be honest, there are enough hours in the days left to get everything done. The initial panic will turn into a methodical crossing-off of the stuff I need to do. I'm used to multitasking, it'll all get done.

Yeah, I just want to make sure I have room to breathe. I have a feeling I won't have a problem with that.

My new album INSPIRED is out!!!

Hello, Everyone!

And finally, it's been released. This is my new album, INSPIRED. Twelve tracks orchestrated by Gerard Salonga, Ria Villena-Osorio and Marvin Querido, recorded in a great studio in Alabang called Carmel House Studios. Global Studio Orchestra. And lots of Starbucks coffee, he he he.

But in all seriousness, I'm very proud of this latest studio release. We poured a lot of love into it, and hope you all enjoy it.

Find it at your favorite record bars. Check Odyssey, Astro, Starry Starry and all the SM Malls.  No, it isn't yet available on Music One.  Once it is, I'll let you all know.

January 22, 2007 - One Month More...

(sung to the melody of One Day More, Les Miserables)

One month more
Another suitcase, one more carry-on
I gotta pack my bags and move right on
I have to do eight shows a week
My vocal cords will be so weak
One month more

I count a month from here today,
A few more gigs till I've departed

One month more

A month to put my stuff away
Find space for all accumulated

One more month and off I go
   Will I fly back home again?
One more month to barricading
   Gago Squad, I'll miss you so

Back to achy legs and arms
   To New York you all must go

In a month, you'll see me theeeeeeeeeeeeeere!!!!!

That's all my brain could come up with. Hee hee!

January 19, 2007 - Ahhhhhhhhh...........

Last night I got together with some of my old batchmates and classmates from OB Montessori. I was the only rose among the thorns (none of the girls could make it unfortunately), but thank goodness the guys were exquisite and delightful company. It's amazing to see what has become of my old friends and to catch up on the many goings-on that took place since graduation. Among them:

- My classmate Howard losing a ton... as in a TON... of weight. He was always a heavy fellow, and I was flabbergasted to see his new physique. How he got it, I don't know.

- Batchmate Dean is now the head of the Philippine Tourism Authority. It's funny to see this jokester and class-cutter become the kagalang-galang that he is now. He comes from a politically inclined family so it comes as no surprise that he's in public office, but still!

- Dax is now a dentist... Egbert a pediatrician... they were two of the best looking guys in grade school, and thank goodness neither of them lost their looks.

- My constant guy companions Danny, Jaygee and Bobby still look, act and sound the same. Bobby works with Chinabank, Jay with Caltex and Danny with... hmmm... I never got to ask him. We reminisced on old shenanigans. These three were the ones that taught me how to play pusoy.

- Chickoy had major heart surgery a few years ago (multiple bypass... for someone so young, this was a surprise to me), and is now in Manila for good after living in the US for 14 years. Jojo takes care of a farm in Pampanga where his wife is working at the local OB Montessori.

- Pow is now on leave from work, after having managed a shuttle business. His wife walked in to say hello... he did really good.

- Two of our teachers, Mrs. Duran and Mr. Da Silva were in attendance, and we got to speak with Miss Galicano, our class adviser, on the phone. She's now taking her masters in Cebu.

Those were the only ones in attendance, the others weren't able to make it. It was such a fun night! I can't remember laughing this hard! It was really nice to go back to high school and recall those good old days. Sometimes, spending a little quality time in the past isn't a bad thing.

January 10, 2007

First...

To my loving, kind, generous and patient husband of three years, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Second...

I'm getting some messages regarding my performance schedule and for how long my run in Les Miz is going to be.  So, just to clear things up, I will be doing all the shows on any given week (unless I'm ill or injured), and will be in the production until the end of its run, whenever that is.  Right now, it's been extended through the summer.  Let's see if it goes on longer.

Third...

We spent our anniversary with dinner at Old Manila at the Manila Peninsula Hotel.  Wonderful, wonderful food!  The dress code is casual, but the food is elegant, and it was a treat being able to enjoy such a delicious meal and a nice glass of wine.  I give it two enthusiastic thumbs up.  If you haven't been and you're trying to figure out where to go for a date, a night out or a birthday or anniversary, give this place a try.  You won't be disappointed.

January 10, 2007 - What a Swell Party It Is

Or rather, was.

I was invited to a party at the amply spaced Leonor Compound in Manila. Rob was jetlagging, so I went solo. Beforehand though, I made sure that I would have friendly souls there, so that I wouldn't feel alone. Thank goodness that was the case. It made for a perfect night.

We watched "Tulad ng Dati" on a slightly askew screen... downed a lot of alcohol (I blanked out during the movie a lot, and was oblivious to many of the evening's happenings... I had to be filled in later)... watched bands play (Troublespots -- very promising all girl band --, Ratbunitata and The Dawn)... danced my heinie off... hummed "Melt With You" into a mic (after being pushed by fellow females on the audience floor)... and had the hugest smile on my face.

It had been a while since I partied this hard, but it was under the best of circumstances for the most part. I was around friends and in a friendly atmosphere. Thank you, Junboy Leonor, for hosting the "any excuse for a party" party! I had a wonderful time!

New York City, Here We Come!!!

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/104603.html

http://broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=14724

http://www.broadway.com/Gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=542374

January 03, 2007 - Honey, I'm Home!!!

Just got back from Honolulu a few hours ago... and I'm exhausted. I need another vacation. (Hmmm... a trip to the spa sounds like a good idea.)